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Archive for May, 2012

Nestled in Rockefeller Center, Minamoto Kichoan, is a small formal hiatus for Japanese confections. Rushing through New York, not too many sights catch my eye on the side of the street. Regretfully, I often whiz past some of the most beautiful and unique boutiques on my rushed journeys through Manhattan, as I make my way to work or meetings.

This day in particular, the meeting I had to attend was in the 30 Rock building. A building which is absolutely stunning in itself. You can find Minamoto Kichoan right around the corner at 49th St. west of 5th Ave. What caught my eye was the gorgeous perfection of each confection adorably resting on the other side of the glass window. I knew exactly where I would be upon the completion of my meeting.

In entering the Japanese “bakery” you feel a calm, cool energy which is complimented by the cleanliness and relaxing interior design. Feeling inspired, I admired the artistry which goes into each confection, and then I realized something which made me even more thrilled.

The confections were all vegan! And not only that, they were made from the fibers of healthful foods. The Wagashi contains barely any fat.

I was pleasantly surprised as I tasted the chilled cherry Wagashi. There is a certain delicate sweetness which undoubtedly makes this treat a Japanese staple.

The ingredients used in Wagashi are, “legumes such as azuki beans and kidney beans, grains such as rice, rice flour and wheat flour, sacharride, potatoes, fruits, nuts such as chestnuts, sesame, agar, and sugar. All of these ingredients are derived from nature. Wagashi includes vegetable protein, vegetable fiber, various vitamins and minerals.” -Minamota Kichoa

Need I say more? Check out the store locations and try some Wagashi near you! NB